Introduction:

Do you know the difference between dirt and soil? Is there a difference? Of course there is! Dirt is something you sweep off the floor of your house, while soil is what you find on the ground outside your house. Soil plays such an important role in our lives. I bet you didn't even know that without soil you wouldn't be able to wear your favorite pair of jeans! Well, it is true. Come learn more about soil and why it is so important in our lives by using the Internet to answer the following questions. You will need your Pedologist's Log to record your answers. Once you have explored all the resources and answered all the questions take a look at the Big Question. How would you answer it after all that you have learned about soil? Express your answer any way you see fit. You can type a Word Document, create a PowerPoint slideshow, make a brochure with all the information you learned, or come up with your own creative way to respond. The choice is yours. Have fun!

Questions:

1. What is soil and how does it form? Geography 4 Kids

2. What are three different types of soil? NPARL: Just for Kids

3. Name the different layers (horizons) of soil. Briefly describe each horizon. The Dirt on Soil

4. What kind of properties make soil good in order to support life? The Great Plant Escape

5. Name several ways people can help improve soil? Underground Adventure

6. How much of the Earth's soil is usable? Soil Science Education

7.Why is soil so important to plants? NPARL: Just for Kids

8. Name the six different components for maintaining quality soil. Briefly explain each component in your own words. Natural Resources Conservation Services

 

Resources:

Geography 4 Kids: If you are looking for physical geography basics, stay on this site. This site offers and introduction to earth science and physical geography. It's not just for kids, it's for everyone.

NPARL: Just for Kids: An agricultural resources site that gives information about agriculture, insects, and soil.

Discovery School: Learn the down and dirty about the different horizons (layers) of soil.

The Great Plant Escape: Detective Le Plant leads you through many clues to help him solve the case about soil.

Underground Adventure: The world of soil is a rich habitat for many amazing creatures. What do you think life would be like if you lived underground? You've come to the right place to find out!

Soil Science Education: A ton of links featuring information on soil, the environment, society, and so much more.

Natural Resources Conservation Services:This site gives information regarding the different ways to improve soil.

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The BIG Question:

Why is it so important to conserve usable soil? What would the world be like without usable soil? How would it affect you on a daily basis? Write a paragraph explaining the importance of soil in our world.

Extension:

Explore this web site and learn more about soil. Learn what it is like to be half and inch tall, take a virtual tour underground, or take a critter quiz: Underground Adventure Virtual Tour